9 Japanese cars with the lowest quality ratings, according to Consumer Reports
These are nine Japanese cars that show up with the lowest quality ratings from Consumer Reports, kind of sitting there in the lower spots where owners talk about their experiences not being the best. It’s from the recent data where Nissan and some others from Japan end up lower down compared to their usual strong spots, and Mazda too with scores that aren’t great, while the usual reliable ones like Toyota and Subaru stay higher up. Owners report things that make owning them feel off sometimes, not always bad but enough to pull the ratings down in those surveys. The list pulls from models available in the USA market that got called out for lower predicted reliability or satisfaction, and it’s interesting how even Japanese brands can have these moments.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue sits there in driveways, and owners sometimes feel like it’s not quite pulling together the way they hoped, with little things adding up over time. It might hum along okay for a bit, but then there’s that sense it could do better, or maybe not, depending on the day. Some say they’d buy again, others hesitate, and it repeats in the back of your mind when you’re in it. The quality rating pulls it down among Japanese cars, which feels a bit off since others do well. Anyway, owning one means dealing with that uncertainty, I guess, without it ever fully sorting out.
Mazda CX-90
Mazda CX-90 exists on the road, and being its owner can feel like it’s trying hard but falling short in spots, with engine stuff and electronics that owners mention. It might drive fine most days, but then something slips, like the transmission or brakes acting up, and you’re left wondering. The ratings from Consumer Reports put it low for 2026 models, lower than expected for Mazda even. Sometimes it feels solid, other times not so much, repeating that mixed feeling. Not sure if it’s the hybrid parts or what, but it hangs there.
Nissan Kicks
Owning a Nissan Kicks means it’s small and around town, but the quality ratings say it’s not top among Japanese ones, with owners noting issues that linger. It gets you places, sure, but there’s this repeat sense that it could be more reliable, or less trouble-prone maybe. Consumer Reports has it in those lower spots for satisfaction too, tied to Nissan overall. Feels okay sometimes, uncertain other times, without fixing the thought completely. Just kind of there in the garage.
Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 is out there being driven, and owners feel like the plug-in hybrid side brings problems that drag the quality rating down, according to reports. It might handle turns nicely at first, but then electronics freeze or something, repeating in complaints. Lower than Mazda’s usual place, it sits with other Japanese cars that aren’t shining. Uncertainty about long-term, I suppose, and it doesn’t resolve. Owning it means that back-and-forth feel.
Infiniti QX60
Infiniti QX60 as an owned vehicle feels a bit distant from the high reliability Japanese rep, with limited data but low vibes in satisfaction rankings. It’s luxurious maybe, but owners hesitate on buying again, pulling it down. Things like electronics or whatever repeat in the lower scores. Not sure exactly, but it exists with that milder trouble sense. Kind of hangs uncertainly.
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima in daily use, owners report it feeling middling, with quality ratings low for the brand and trickling to models like this. Drives straight, but then doubts creep in about longevity or small fixes needed. Repeats Nissan’s lower spot among Japanese cars from Consumer Reports. Might be fine, might not, without full clarity. Just owned that way.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX sits with a buy-again rate that’s okay but not great, lower in the Japanese group per surveys. Owning it means luxury touches, but uncertainty about electronics or whatever pulls the rating. Feels like it could be better, repeating the brand’s middling place. Not resolving completely, I think. Exists there anyway.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Outlander owned by folks, and with minimal data it still ends up lowish in quality feels from Consumer Reports context. Might go off-road lightly, but owners sense repeats of minor issues. Among Japanese, it’s not leading. Uncertainty lingers, sort of. Feels unnecessary to push it sometimes.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra as a daily driver, quality ratings keep it down with the brand’s low satisfaction, owners feeling that repeat hesitation. Gets mileage, but doubts about parts or electronics show up. Lower in Japanese rankings, per the data. Might hold up, might not fully. Just there in traffic.
